Letter from Seán Nunan to Joseph P. Walshe (Holy See)
(Secret) (Copy)

As you know, Kerney is proceeding with his libel action in regard to Desmond Williams’ statements in his Neutrality series regarding the meetings with Germans in Madrid. We have looked over the relevant files here and, without knowledge of the background, the following would appear to be the sequence of events.

Kerney was, apparently, in almost constant touch with the Clissmanns in regard to Frank Ryan and it was Helmut who suggested the meeting with Veesenmayer. He had some preliminary discussions in Madrid with Kerney and is, presumably, the ‘confidential agent’ of Veesenmayer mentioned by Williams.

We have turned up a reference in one of Frank Ryan’s letters (extract attached)¹ written eleven days before the meeting with Veesenmayer as reported by Kerney on the day he alleges it took place, i.e., 24th August, 1942.² You may recall that Veesenmayer told Kerney that he had met Frank Ryan ‘about six weeks ago’ and gave a brief account of their conversation.

Williams does not refer at all to the fact that a meeting took place between Veesenmayer himself and Kerney beyond an oblique reference ‘as a result of the interview between Veesenmayer and the Irish diplomat’, so that it is possible he may not be aware of the circumstances of the meeting.

Our file shows the lengthy account of the meeting – typed on the day it took place, according to Kerney – and no further action until June, 1946, when a copy was sent to Dan Bryan. Was a copy sent to anyone at the time of receipt or was any action taken on it?

In July of last year, Kerney requested that this report be published so as to obviate the necessity of his taking legal action but it was decided not to do this.³

It is understood that Clissmann is prepared to give evidence of his part in the matter and that Veesenmayer himself – who is imprisoned in Germany – is to do likewise on Commission; that the British Foreign Office are making available the full texts of the documents in the German FO archives on which Williams’ statements were based; and that certain enquiries are being made by the British authorities in regard to Kerney.

We are remaining aloof from any participation in the matter but the information at our disposal was made available to the official authorities concerned here. I feel that the files may be incomplete without certain information as to the background to the papers thereon. It would be much appreciated if you could find time to write me personally on this aspect of the matter. For instance, when Kerney was brought home in 1943, did he discuss the Madrid meeting with you? He did not mention it to Fred⁴ nor have we any evidence that he did to G2.

There is no knowing how this action will develop or what will be brought to light when it comes up in, I believe, the autumn, so it is well that the Department should be prepared for the worst! I would certainly be very grateful for any help you can give us.